You can also use the iStand as a stand alone iPod (or iPhone) dock. The audio quality is decent, but not any better laptop speakers. The iStand includes two high speed 2.0 USB ports on the left side of the stand. This means you are only gaining one USB port because you have to use one of your laptops ports to interface with the device.

You have to use an external keyboard and mouse when using the iStand because the rails and inserted iPod make it nearly impossible to use your track pad and keys.

The device has nice illuminated touch sensitive volume controls that work by the glide of your finger. The iStand has a very sleek design with ascetically pleasing uniform lines, and you may adjust the angle of the iStand with a push of a button for the perspective that you prefer.

Laptops that have screens larger that 15.5-inch will not fit in the iStand, which alienates many Mac Book Pro users.

The iStand is very pricey for what you get, considering one can purchase a very nice set of speakers to play your favorite music for the same price or less. It is better suited as a stand alone iPod dock than an accessory for your laptop.

Pros: Slick look and angle adjustability

Cons: The price. Doesn't do much more than a standard sync cord or iPod dock. Requires use of external keyboard and mouse.

Macsimum rating: 4 out of 10

Matthew Rory Diggs -- Macsimum's new contributing editor -- is a photojournalist and barista living in the Nashville area with his lovely artist wife Zandrea and their two cats Java and Kiwi (and a Hermit Crab that wishes to remain anonymous.) Matthew is a long time avid Mac user and graduated from Union University with a degree in digital media studies and photojournalism.